Time to start vegging out: Asparagus run 2019 launches at The Valley

Dust off those running shoes, start perfecting those stretches and get ready to go green: The Valley has today announced the launch of its 2019 Asparagus Colour Run. 

Now in its 3rd year the family fun run will take place on Sunday 19th May 2019 - and this year the event will be helping even more people to ‘go nice places and do good things’ by donating 50% of all ticket sales to the charitable foundation of outdoor clothing and equipment specialist Alpkit which aims to give people and groups who may ordinarily miss out on a chance to enjoy the wellbeing benefits of nature the opportunity to get out into the great outdoors by funding various grassroots initiatives.  

The event 
After the starting gun sounds runners will begin making their way through the scenic route, taking in the winding tracks and trails of The Valley’s 125-acre site in Evesham. 
A gentle course aimed at runners of all abilities, runners can run as fast or as slow as they want – the aim is simply to be there, be present and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the stunning Worcestershire countryside. 
But there’s also a twist for participants as they make their way around the course; asparagus-green paint bombs will cascade onto the tracks and everyone is encouraged to pelt each other with the copious amounts of powdered green paint supplied –making for a great photo finish. You probably won’t be feeling too green around the gills after this multi-terrain, family-friendly route, but you’ll certainly be looking it. 
And, of course, you’ll also be paying homage to one of the area’s proudest exports. The asparagus theme celebrates the start of the local Asparagus season for the Vale of Evesham. In 2017 the locally grown vegetable achieved EU Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status to Vale of Evesham Asparagus.

The good cause 
By going green in Evesham runners will be helping people from all walks of life to get a taste – and hopefully a passion – for the outdoor lifestyle by raising money for the Alpkit Foundation, which makes small awards to people and groups who may otherwise face challenges in getting outdoors and experiencing wild places. In the past it has done everything to provide cash grants to schools to support trips to the country to funding Mountain Leader Training. 

Discussing the upcoming event, Phil Maclean, Senior Marketing Manager at The Valley said: “Surrounded as we are by such beautiful countryside, we can’t help but be passionate about the benefits of the outdoor lifestyle here at The Valley. 
“We’re particularly excited about this year’s event not only because we know the event itself is a great opportunity for families and friends to get together and go for a run in the great outdoors, but also because we’ll be raising money for the Alpkit Foundation, a great cause which helps spark passion for getting back to nature by awarding much-needed funds to grass roots causes around the UK. 
 
“Outdoor living, whether that’s going for a run, cycling or just a gentle stroll has so many benefits – physical, mental and social.  So many of us live our lives at such a frenetic pace, just spending a little time outdoors can be a great boost to our wellbeing and help ground us. 
“But for some people, funds or lack of opportunity makes accessing nature a challenge, so we’re really pleased to be able to do our bit to help people overcome the obstacles that would otherwise prevent them from going nice places and doing good things. It will be a great event, and will benefit so many more people than just those taking part on the day.”